Page 334 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Japan

PRACTICAL
INFORMATION

NEED TO KNOW Practical Information essential advice and information you will need during your stay.
A little local know-how goes a long way in Japan. Here you will find all the

Personal Security
AT A GLANCE
Thefts and muggings do occur at times in Japan.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
There are also sporadic incidents of bag snatching
and pickpocketing in crowded areas. It is generally
GENERAL
safe to walk around at night, but be careful in
EMERGENCY
COAST GUARD
Tokyo’s Roppongi entertainment district.
1 1 9
1 1 8
Health
All visitors should take out comprehensive travel
insurance before traveling. If you are sick,
FIRE AND
AMBULANCE POLICE consult a doctor at a local clinic; for minor
problems, see a pharmacist. For hospitals and
1 1 9 1 1 0 other medical services in Tokyo, see Himawari .
Himawari
∑ himawari.metro.tokyo.jp
Smoking, Alcohol, and Drugs
TIME ZONE Japan has a zero-tolerance policy toward the
JST possession of even small amounts of narcotics.
There is no daylight
saving time. The punishment is a jail sentence and heavy fine.
Japan has a strict limit of 0.03 percent BAC
(blood alcohol content) for drivers. If a driver
exceeds this limit, they will face a heavy fine and
up to five years in prison.
TAP WATER In many Tokyo wards, smoking on the street
Unless stated is banned (sometimes punishable by on the
otherwise, tap spot fines), except in specially designated areas.
water in Japan is Smoking is banned on buses and trains (except
safe to drink.
for some long-distance trains, such as shinkansen,
which have smoking cars), as well as in most
stations, but smoking is usually permitted in
bars and restaurants.
TIPPING
Tipping is not part of the culture in Japan. Local Customs
Attempts to do so could lead to confusion,
embarrassment, and misunderstanding. The traditional greeting in Japan is a bow, its
depth reflecting the relative status of partici-
pants. Foreigners, however, rarely need to bow;
a handshake is fine. In many situations, bows are
part of the service, for instance, in elevators,
department stores, restaurants, and hotels.
They can be ignored or met with a brief smile.
If you feel the need to bow, hold your arms and
back straight, bend from the waist, and pause
for a moment at the low point.

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